Synonyms of supersede

supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd 

as in to replace

to take the place of

that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supplant
• substitute
• relieve
• displace
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, supplant implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.

was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supersede

Coral Springs resident Kashou was charged by a superseding indictment earlier this month in the Northern District of Texas, along with several co-defendants, with conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026

That charge — misprision of a felony — was filed in a superseding information Alvarez pleaded to, which followed the original indictment. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Sources say Progressive superseded their sales goal, and doubled their investment, before the pic’s early July $125M+ domestic opening last year. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 June 2026

Rahmanullah Lakanwal was charged with eight additional counts in a superseding indictment, including murder of a person assisting an officer of the United States and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime that causes death, both of which are death penalty-eligible. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!